** NORTHVILLIANS,
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This week, I am going to get a little more lighthearted and talk about Groundhog Days in the Ville and the storms that often accompanied them. As you know, February 2
^nd is when we celebrate this event, an observance of how long Winter may continue. Groundhogs in the area, similar to the well-known Punxsutawney Phil in PA, have historically been monitored during ceremonial events to inform us if we’ll have an early end to winter … or not!

In Northville, we have had some memorable storms that have blown through on Groundhog Days. We will take a look at those winter milestones in our letter today. On a side note, in a well-publicized global climate report filed last month, Michigan was noted as having an average of nine days less of below-freezing temperatures, compared to historical data.

Ground Hog Day Facts:
* Groundhog Day is an offshoot of the Christian celebration of Candlemas, which is held every February 2^nd, exactly 40 days after Christmas, to bring protection to homes for the rest of the winter. Additionally, Lent (which begins March 5^th, right after Fat Tuesday-Paczki Day) is the 40 days before Easter Holy Week. There are many other references regarding 40 in Biblical times including: Noah and the 40-day flood, Moses and his 40 days on Mt. Sinai and his people’s wandering for 40 years in the desert, to name a few.
* Did you know … Groundhog Day weather predictions were even monitored by the military during WWII.
* The first modern Groundhog Day event was supposedly held in 1887.
* This day was made famous in Bill Murray’s movie Groundhog Day.

According to legend, if the groundhog comes out of his burrow on February 2^nd and doesn’t see its shadow, spring will come early. If the groundhog sees a shadow, then it goes back into its burrow because winter will last 6 more weeks.

Before we look at the Groundhog and past weather happenings, let's see what's going on today!
* Mill Race Village – Stroll through the newly bricked lane at the Village and take in this living history museum. Support the Historical Society by becoming a member (Link ([link removed]) ) or by engraving a brick (Link ([link removed]) ).
* Tipping Point Theatre – Attend the latest show, Halftime with Don. Link ([link removed])
* Valentine Tea – Sat, 2/1, 1pm at Mill Race Village. Learn about vintage Valentines and enjoy delicious treats paired with Cady Inn Tea.
* Northville Community Awards Dinner (Public Invited) – 2/6, 5pm @ Genitti’s, followed by presentations @ the Marquis Theatre, sponsored by the Chamber Link ([link removed])

INFO FOR CITIZENS
PROJECTS AROUND TOWN
* Ford Field – Phase I (Winter): Infrastructure @ Randolph Drain, Phase II (Spring) Vista overlook, fencing, staircase & ADA entrance, play structure engineering…’26 Bathrooms.
* Riverwalk – Retention Pond at Downs dug & Riverbed constructed (rocks & timbers being added). Historic Log Cabin positioned, and other sections being engineered.
* Downs Initiative – Streets/Curbs poured & vertical rough carpentry for Toll Brothers’ Town Homes models built on Center Street for the 18 units on 7 Mile/Sheldon.
* Grants that Support Northville’s Community Initiatives - Link ([link removed])

NEW TASK FORCE MEETINGS
* Cemetery Restoration Task Force – Next Meeting 2/10. Stop by Oakwood Cemetery to see progress. Contact Dave Marold for info/to support @ [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])
* Bicentennial Task Force – Next meeting 2/13. Volunteers are welcome to join work teams (Tours, Transportation, Ford Field and Riverwalk Activities, along with the Time Capsule). For info, write [email protected] (mailto:[email protected])

Let's look back on past weather events in Northville around Groundhog Day:
1898 – A blizzard came through on Groundhog Day that caused havoc with the town’s phone & telegraph wires. Communications were all down after heavy ice and snow touched our area. Northville was isolated from the world for about a week and had to depend on post office deliveries for updated information. Even the town clock was frozen in time (like the Movie Groundhog Day). This Seth Thomas clock at (Dunlap & Center) used to be in the tower above the Stampeddler Plus (Old Methodist Church). The clock chimed for the first time on New Year’s Day 1895, and on Groundhog Day 1898 was the first time it stopped.
1934 – Over a foot of snow hit Northville shortly after Groundhog Day, and many Ford Model A’s along with Model T’s and other autos were battling the elements.
1965 – “The Great Groundhog Day Snowstorm.” According to The Record, many in town maneuvered through the streets via skis on this Groundhog Day. Some said it was the worst snow in years, with more than 9 inches deposited quickly in the first few hours of the storm … and it just KEPT snowing. More than 50 stranded cars were reported on 8 Mile in Northville, and hundreds were marooned in town.
1974 – Northville digs out of a 19-inch blast. It was reported that it was the heaviest snow in nearly a century. Most City streets were impassable. I remember cross country skiing through town then (see picture above).
1978 – On Groundhog Day eve, one of the most vicious ice & snowstorms hit Northville. Schools and stores were closed most of the week thanks to the 13-inch accumulation on the first day alone. Northville grocery stores sold everything on the shelves. According to The Record, Grocer John Genitti said, “I sold out of bread within minutes after opening.”
1983 – On the opposite side of the weather front on Groundhog Day, there were folks out on the “Fairways of Life.” The Record ran a story “Golfing all 12 Months” on Groundhog Day. In ‘83 it was my privilege and honor to hit the Bob-O-Links with my father on Groundhog Day. Another article that year in the Record, just before Feb. 2nd, was entitled “Teed off at Winter.” Like this year, snow was a rarity and there were more white Top Flite balls flying around on Groundhog Day than the usual snowballs.

So, as you can see, it’s been quite a mix of weather on the day meteorological predictions are made by our furry friends. Get ready for the announcement from PA’s Punxsutawney Phil on the duration of winter this year.

I want to thank you for helping those around town in battling through the frigid temperatures this winter vs. the historic snowstorms. Keep that Northville good-neighbor faith and slow down today to check on those around you. It’s up to all of us to help other Northvillians weather the storms and coldness at times in life.

Keep that Northville Faith and Let's keep moving forward together helping others!

Brian Turnbull
Mayor – Northville
[email protected] / 248.505.6849

(Reach out to me anytime or forward this communication to others interested.)

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